How Can I Improve My Reading Speed?

This article covers four tips students should take into consideration who wish to speed up their reading in order to cover more material at any given time.

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Tips for Improving Reading Speed

For many students, especially those who are in college, reading is a key element to succeeding in the classroom. Most courses entail reading at least one textbook, taking notes and reviewing information for exams. Some students may feel that they cannot keep up with the work load due to the speed of their reading. Learning how to speed up one's ability to read may help a student become more successful with his or her classes.

Don't Read Aloud

One tip is to not read aloud or use your lips while reviewing material. Reading in this manner may slow you down. Instead of just using your eyes to make an almost automatic connection with your brain, you are slowing the process down by having your lips and mouth move. Some people believe that reading aloud helps them to absorb more material, but since it slows a person down so much, they may not be able to take in as much of the material as they wish.

Get an Eye Exam

Another idea is to have your eyes checked. If it is hard to focus on the reading or it is difficult to read for an extended period of time, then your eyes may need some adjusting. If your eyes constantly have to focus and strain, then your reading will be affected (since you will have to slow down and will not be able to concentrate on the information at hand). If you are properly attired for reading, then your productivity level may increase.

No Rereading

Also, the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University suggests that students should not reread the material. That is, make sure you are not repeating yourself while you are reading through the text. Many students may reread the same page repeatedly, which gets them nowhere in covering the whole material. Make sure you focus on the information in the text and continue to progress throughout the chapter. If there is a concept you do not understand that is not explained further in the chapter, then go back to read it once you have completed the initial assignment.

Read in Phrases

Lastly, you should read where you recognize groups of words, or phrases, instead of reading word for word. The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University suggests students to develop a wider eye-span, where they can take in more of the material at once. This will help to speed along the reading process where you will be able to cover for information than before.

Keeping these tips in mind for the next time you read your homework assignment may help you to speed up and maximize your reading abilities.